Best Grad Schools in Maine 2026
Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Maine offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.
Key Takeaways
- The best graduate programs in Maine often emphasize studies related to coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, and renewable energy, leveraging the state’s unique natural resources and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
- Many of the best graduate programs in Maine offer intimate learning environments with opportunities for one-on-one mentorship from faculty who are leaders in their fields, fostering close academic and professional relationships.
- The programs in our ranking blend Maine’s cultural heritage and community needs with global perspectives, offering students the chance to engage in research and projects that have both local relevance and worldwide impact.
Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs in 2026
There are 3 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Maine. This ranking presents the state’s accredited, non‑profit institutions that grant doctoral degrees and offer a broad array of graduate programs, both public and private. It is designed to help prospective master’s and doctoral students compare institutions by academic scope, research activity, and program breadth rather than by price or anecdotal reputation alone.
Use this list to identify programs that match your priorities—research intensity, professional training, interdisciplinary options, or regional fit—and to narrow choices for deeper study of specific departments, faculty, and graduate outcomes. The schools included meet baseline quality standards for accreditation and doctoral education; further investigation of individual programs is recommended to find the best match for your goals.
Best Grad Schools in Maine
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Maine 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Maine 2025
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
55%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/26
Career Outlook for degree at University of Maine
Cost of Degree: $12,606Expenses: $15,966Starting Salary: $48,300Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryAs a Carnegie R1 institution, the University of Maine is known for its strong research programs, particularly in the areas of marine science, forestry, and engineering. The university boasts of modern facilities, various industry partnerships, and a strong alumni network.
What we love about the University of Maine:
The university’s Office of Research Compliance ensures that all research activities are reviewed and meet ethical standards.
The University of Maine is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a comprehensive Master’s in Wildlife Conservation.
The University of Maine might not be the best fit for students who:
Would like more career counseling.
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Maine 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
42%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1109/22
Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern Maine
Cost of Degree: $10,920Expenses: $15,892Starting Salary: $44,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryAside from offering top-notch graduate curriculums, the University of Southern Maine supports its graduate students through a wide range of services, including personalized academic advising and mental health resources. The school maintains a supportive environment through its experienced faculty and volunteer student mentors.
What we love about the University of Southern Maine:
Through the Graduate Student Professional Development Fund, graduate students may apply for financial assistance for research training, conference fees, and speaker honorarium.
The University of Southern Maine is ideal for students who:
Would like to earn a graduate certificate in cybersecurity.
The University of Southern Maine might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer more online graduate study choices.
- #2 Best Research Universities in Maine 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Maine 2025 #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Maine 2025
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
59%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at University of New England
Cost of Degree: $42,550Expenses: $21,140Starting Salary: $51,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryKnown for its health programs, the University of New England emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning through its research initiatives. Graduate students get to participate in research fieldwork, skills training, and outreach projects.
What we love about the University of New England:
Recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, the Doctor of Pharmacy program allows students to specialize in areas like Veterinary Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The University of New England is ideal for students who:
Are looking for flexible tuition payment plans.
The University of New England might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer lower tuition costs.
Maine’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
